our view: The polls are open; now it is up to you

Tuesday

Nov 5, 2013 at 2:01 AM

As we have often said, the decisions made at City and Town Halls across the region will have a far greater and more immediate impact on our lives than the vast majority of decision made in Hartford or Washington.

And today is the day when each of us can add our voice to that decision-making process by casting a vote for whom we believe, and trust, will be making those decisions in the best interests of our community.

In today’s municipal elections, residents will decide contests for numerous elected positions, everything from mayor and first selectman to members for the boards of education and finance to planning & zoning, library trustees and constables.

In some communities, referendum questions need to be resolved, such as Killingly’s Town Charter proposal change to the way Town Council members are elected to a $5 million bond proposal for infrastructure improvements in Norwich.

In too many cases, sadly, voters aren’t being offered much of a choice -- if any at all. Some spots on today’s ballots are vacant and in some other cases, everyone listed has already won before the first vote was cast.

That’s a frustration we have expressed often, but still no reason not to vote. We are fortunate that there are those in our communities willing to step forward, but they cannot do it alone. At the very least, we owe them our appreciation and a show of support for their willingness to serve by casting our vote. It does make a difference.

Is that too much to ask, that we take 10 minutes out of day to at least say thank you to those willing to serve?

Nothing will ever change unless residents demand change. And change begins at the ballot box. You can be part of that change, or you can do nothing but complain about the choices that you allow others to make for you.

New this year is a change in our voting process. For the first time, eligible voters who have not registered to vote can do so today. Check with your town clerk’s office to determine where voter registrations are being conducted, get registered and then vote.